Video: Sea Of Rock

Nov 19, 2012
by Sebastian Doerk  
WARNING - This is a report, it contains a story and the video does not start with instant shredding. If you never liked storytellers when you were a kid, maybe this is not for you. Please proceed to 3:20 min to avoid interviews etc.

Views: 66,947    Faves: 660    Comments: 44


It’s 1972, Gary Fisher & Joe Breeze's klunkers are still only used for beach cruising when two guys in Saalfelden / Austria decide to do the most stupid thing in their young lives. With a military bike, stolen from one of their grandpas, they climb up to the Sea of Rock (a vast karst mountain range) to do the first mountain biking ever. They only went 10 meters, the bike was trashed badly and the world had to wait for someone else to invent the mountain bike...

photo
  40 years later the bicycle is still there, hanging in the climbing route up to Mt. Sommerstein. Having resisted wind and rain, the frame rusty and the old rubber tyres overgrown with moss, it's guarding the entrance to the Sea of Rock like a watchman.

photo
  It took 40 years for someone else to accept the challenge. In the summer of 2012 Tom Oehler and Harald Philipp went on a little expedition to reveal a story long lost and to ride the various landscapes of the Sea of Rock. But don't be fooled, even the flowy looking slickrocks are streaked with massive holes and sharp edges.

photo
photo
  Karst is a sort of lime stone, that couldn't be gnarlier to ride. The trail can only be spotted by the way signs, dropping just lands you in the next rock garden and the edges are as sharp as crocodile teeth. 8 days of riding equals 12 flat tires.

photo
  Tom is a Trials World Champ, currently holding the world-record for "highest wallclimb by bicycle" and Harald is known for climbing the highest summits of the Alps, descending glaciers and via ferratas. Watch the story unfold...


Posted In:



Author Info:
infinitetrails avatar

Member since May 8, 2009
19 articles

106 Comments
  • 48 1
 amazing work...great filming, amazing scenery...sick riding...just perfect
  • 6 0
 Makes me want to ride NOW, and to hone my technical skills. Amazing flow on wonderfully challenging terrain. Love the chill vibe as they're talking, two buds talking about riding bikes.
  • 6 0
 Boodlt awesome video and a great story behind it , quite frankly if you skip to 3:20 like suggested at the top you are missing 50 percent of the awesomeness.
  • 1 0
 The rider with the trials background flows over that massive Boulder garden like there's actually a trail there.........AMAZING
  • 37 7
 incredible movie, but that song SAIL should be banned from any clip, i seriously can't stand that song anymore... 98% of any action sports clip use this song... Enough with it... other than that pretty amazing movie.... change the song and it will the 10/10...
  • 9 1
 haha yeah this is getting ridiculous... enough with that song already
  • 13 0
 @dank13 You will be surprised that i agree kind of Wink But there's always a BUT... I'am always trying to keep my content legal, since i don't like stealing from other creative sources. And when doing so you're extremely limited in choice. Music licensing is a big pain in the a** if you're not a million bucks film production.
  • 14 0
 @infinitetrails ok point taken music copyright sucks big time, its ridiculous, you are advertising their song for free, thousands of people are watching your clip and listening to the song, i don't understand why they are such a..holes about it... how many times i heard a song on a bike clip that i like and ended up getting the song on itunes... to be completely honest most of the music that i won i've discovered like this... you made a cool video, you uploaded to a free site, you are not making any money out of it, you shouldn't have to worry about music licensing... (that's my opinion)... freaking music labels should open their eyes here, and embrace the social media aspect... how many bands out-there can be heard 50x more than the normal radio if they allow people to use their song... This song is good example of it... SAIL, i confess, the first time i've heard i actually purchased the song from iTunes, but now i've long deleted it from my iphone hehehehe... but hey, thats the corporate small minded guys mentality... if i'm not making money out of it you are not going to play this song... Oh well, sorry if i was a bit harsh on your song choice, it's just that i've heard so many times, that this song can really spoil any clip... but i understand your point... cheers dan
  • 6 0
 Dank13 you are 100% correct sir!
I have had many videos that I upload here deleted off you tube due the songs copyrights.
They are missing the big picture which you hit the nail on the head with your statement.

I did know the reason "sail" was used so much due to copyrights but I have to say @infinitetrails served the song right with this video!
I commend him for his courages videos!

RideOn!
  • 4 0
 Awolnation who did all the songs are on Red Bull's record label if I remember correctly. You hear them a lot on the World Cup coverage as well.
  • 2 1
 but awolnation has some other great songs, maybe they would fit as well...
  • 2 0
 It's also worth noting that often video edits take a while or the vid doesn't become popular/picked up for some time, and so when the edit was made, the song wasn't overused and still gets u pumped. But, unfortunately, by the time u get to view the video, it's been used in 50 million other videos that's were being made around the same time, but u just happened to view them first! Song choice is important, but it's also important to view the video for what it is.....an awesome vid and edit!
  • 16 0
 Epic!

Now THAT`s Mountain Biking!
  • 7 1
 That's real freeride!
  • 12 0
 That was some of the most impressive riding i've seen on Pinkbike in quite some time. No fancy backflips to a no hander tuck, just simple, good clean talented bike riding! So inspirational makes me want to improve my riding so much so I think i'll go do some bunny hops in the rain!
  • 12 0
 Can I get that as DVD? Id pay you 1000 for it but I have to spend it on fixing my jaw that got broken by hitting the floor. That is the best non-pro-hyped bike Vid I have ever ever seen and it beats the closest one by half way of my jaw to the floor. If I watched that on fkn Eiffel Tower my jaw would still go all the way to the ground...
Let the Aretha do the job R-E-S-P-E-C-T I found what it means to me...
  • 3 0
 best comment I have ever seen on pinkbike hands down 100%
  • 6 0
 One of the best mountain bike videos I've seen. Riding, filming, scenery, and subject matter all top notch. Great storytelling. And despite the gnarly terrain, no 29" wheels, thank God.
  • 1 0
 C'm on man, you test so many bikes, who else than you should know (and propagate) the fact that big wheels give you little or nothing more on the gnar than 26, you get some and you loose some. 2niners truly win only on pedalling bits, they allow you to cover bigger distance in less time. They are super fun to ride in tech stuff but in a different way, people who contemplate which is better wither for riding or looking on pics should ask themselves whether they like Mountain Biking or bicycles with certain wheel size.

I just cannot see any of those kind of guys,deliberately choosing a 29er to ride such stuff.
  • 3 4
 Um, duh. I hate 29'ers and hope they will die a slow painful death. Everybody says they are so much smoother in bumpy terrain. Well I haven't seen terrain any bumpier than in this vid. Just reinforcing the fact that 29'ers are completely unnecessary in all of life.
  • 2 0
 Hehe, look Im a father of 1yr old, have quite a bitchy wife, a brain eating job and really messed up head. Now if I want go for a fast shred in the woods the Nomad with 2.5" minions feels great, but if I want to do a longer trip, and I have a choice 2,5-3h on Nomad or 2h on 29er - I take 29er and kiss balls of Niner designers anytime. Nevertheless it still doesnt stop me from willing to throw up when I see all the hype around 29ers and the way the big holy industry has served it down our throats and anuses. After riding mine it still makes me shake my head saying NO just NO, when hearing some arguments on advantages of big wheels. Big wheels dont make it any easier to do anything, they rather make bike handling harder and easy rolling on rocks is at the top of my BS list.
  • 1 0
 PB wouldn't be the same without you!
  • 1 0
 Oh brad- you keep your opinions too veiled. why don't you ever tell it like it is? LOL

29ers suck on super technical terrain. This defines super technical terrain
  • 6 0
 incredibly beautiful place!
this video made ​​my day!
  • 3 0
 Great camera work. The hardest thing to portray on film is steepness. You nailed it. That place is gnarly to say the least. Great film, great story, and again kudos for breath taking shots.
  • 2 0
 Did anyone else feel their arses tighten when he rode by the edge of those cliffs? Best video on Pinkbike yet....I paused the video at least 4 times and had a POY on my screen. Amazing!
  • 1 0
 I am left in abandonment ' dumbstruck & completely and I mean utterly in awe of what I just seen ! Man that is the best bit of riding I have witnessed anywhere ! The footage he tunes the bikes the poc knee pads ' everything about that to me says " where the trail ends - Eat Shit - this is mountain biking "
Ie) NOT born in the USA

Do another film please !!!

FANTASTIC ENTERTAINMENT
  • 4 0
 Fantastic! Loved every second of it, especially the old guys who were so game, even if they didn't get very far!!
  • 2 0
 Yes this is what Mountain Biking is all about, Amazing riding in crazy situations, If was not too old already would seek out riding like this In next life this is how want to live it!!
  • 1 0
 Finally, the Austrians showing their natural talents, there is a reason they are called the kids of the mountains! (Kinder der Bergen)!!

Hope to se more Austrian riders in the world cup level soon.
  • 1 0
 This is an awesome video, totally defines "mountain" biking. Very inspiring, motivates me to work on my tech skills and ride !!!! Love the filming angles, told the story well.
  • 1 0
 I imagine regular trail riding must be quite dull to guys with excellent balance and trials skills such as these guys. Very entertaining - easily can get some PODS out of there!
  • 4 0
 One word. WOW!!
  • 4 0
 Awesome Drone shots.
  • 4 0
 Fantastic!
  • 1 0
 Only human mountain goats need apply! That was awesome. No sound on my PC so couldn't comment on the soundtrack, but happy with the subtitles! Great work and riding!
  • 1 0
 I'm not sure if Gnar even begins to describe that...
That was really some impressive riding there - major respect to you guys Big Grin
  • 3 0
 I suck at mountain biking now....
  • 1 0
 Excelentes escenarios, música, impresionante estar ahí y la adrenalina que uno puede sentir rajado. Yo quiero =) a cachiviris
  • 1 0
 Loved every minute! If you forward this to your friends be sure put a extra heavy emphasis on 'MOUNTAIN" when you mention this mountain bike vid!
  • 1 0
 The best riding i have seen in a long while...

Maybe since guys were jumping from roof top to roof top in Cranked 1 (??) if I remember correctly...
  • 1 0
 Wow! That was some insane stuff. Actually dig the back story, makes it have much more meaning than just some dudes shreddin it. Great vid!
  • 2 0
 Taking a Trials rider up there for different perspective was Brilliant! Great video.
  • 1 0
 Since I only started riding this year, I wish one day I have the skill and balls to do that ride. Thanks for the inspiration to pursue to be better and enjoy MOTHER EARTH
  • 1 0
 Incredible movie! I love this kind of riding and on such beautiful landscape! The movie blended together very beautifully! RideOn!
  • 1 0
 Yeah... this makes everything I've accomplished on two wheel in my life seem as simple as tying a pair of shoes... I need to ride more.
  • 2 0
 Who was flying the RC Heli-cam? I saw the shadow a few times in the edit - beautifully done.
  • 2 0
 Insanely talented austrian dude, wind was howling up there and the shots couldn't have been more steady...
  • 2 0
 great stuff! a blast to watch.
  • 3 0
 Incredible!
  • 3 0
 amazing ride and place
  • 1 0
 Absolutely amazing riding, beautiful camera work and production. Tom Oehler is insane, that was some incredible skillset.
  • 2 0
 4:16 the mountain side :o sweet video!
  • 3 0
 Epic! Human ibex....
  • 2 0
 What is the brand of the black bike ?
  • 1 0
 What about the green one? Nicolai? Seems to have a headtube badge, but those do not come with one.
  • 2 0
 both are litevilles
  • 3 1
 Come on Hobbits. Long ways to go yet. Smeagol will show the way. -CF-
  • 3 0
 VOY !!!
  • 1 0
 12:13 of perfection.

Stunning bike handling and what a tight edit on the video...brilliant and engaging.
  • 2 1
 This makes my hair stand on end!! To top it off Sail is the best soundtrack!
  • 1 0
 love this vid the first song is amazing, and the bike riding is incredible.
  • 1 0
 That dude had no knee pads, but i'm guessing when your balls are that big... Incredible riding! Great scenery! Great stuff!
  • 2 0
 Where the Trail Ends... as it should have been!
  • 1 0
 It's refreshing to see trials riders riding bikes again! That was amazing riding and a captivating vid. Great work.
  • 2 0
 Superb story and epic riding. Well done!
  • 1 0
 great story great footage amazing skills this has it all . now i need to learn to brush up on my balancing .
  • 2 1
 how many flat tyres did you have?
  • 8 0
 "8 days of riding equals 12 flat tires"
  • 1 1
 some one needs to introduce them to a proper tubeless set up
  • 2 0
 such a good story!
  • 1 0
 This is a real mountain biking chllenge! Mind blowing!
  • 1 0
 Well done fellas, very unique.
  • 2 0
 Yeah! Really Hard Rocks!
  • 1 0
 Holy mother of god that was awesome!
  • 1 0
 Frikkin SIK Riding !!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Amazing! REAL mountain biking.
  • 1 0
 amazing. Well filmed, and extremely well executed riding.
  • 2 0
 ur-super-geil!
  • 1 0
 dem ist nichts hinzuzufügen :-D
  • 1 0
 Palms started to sweat a bit there...
  • 1 0
 If there were a photo of 4:18, it would easily be POY.
  • 1 0
 Best adventure story in MTB history.
  • 1 0
 ohhh those brakes may possibly be the most hard working brakes in history
  • 1 0
 HOLY LORDY! that is balance! O_O
  • 1 0
 Where can I order some balls as big as theirs?
  • 1 0
 Amazing!! Really big rocks
  • 2 1
 Proper big mountain riding. German balls of steel.....or rock! Awesome!
  • 7 1
 That would be Austrian balls of steel....big difference (sorry mate).....
  • 1 0
 My badSmile Anyways, respect.
  • 1 0
 Very cool. I miss videos of Ohler on a trials bike tho..
  • 1 0
 simply incredible. Amazing riding on amazing terrain. Chapeau.
  • 1 0
 great story, great vid. definitly one of 2012 VOY runners
  • 1 0
 Great video! Congrats and thanks for sharing.
  • 3 5
 "Karst is a sort of lime stone, that couldn't be gnarlier to ride". Karst is not a sort of lime stone, karst is a geological formation made from lime stone.
  • 2 0
 ok Sheldon Smile

Awesome Video!
  • 1 0
 Loistava!!! Sika makee!
  • 1 1
 I just jizzed in my pants! Amazing riding and filming!
  • 1 0
 epic
  • 1 0
 awesome!
  • 1 0
 Intensely awe inspiring!
  • 1 0
 just amazing!







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.047636
Mobile Version of Website